The PDC World Championship starts at Alexandra Palace on Friday.
Michael Van Gerwen is in action on the opening night as he attempts to defend his title for the first time.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points from the tournament.
Can Van Gerwen go back-to-back?
Who could shock Van Gerwen?
Will Barney go out with a bang?
The moment has come. Tomorrow I will travel to London to play my final World Championships, I hope to show the world the one more time what I can do. Leg by leg, set by set, match by match. I will fight till the end. pic.twitter.com/hIADnJYsFz
— Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) December 11, 2019
Raymond Van Barneveld will retire from darts after his campaign at Ally Pally comes to an end. The 52-year-old Dutchman is a five-time world champion, but has struggled to live up to those heights in recent years. Looking at his draw, he is unlikely to enjoy a fairytale finish. If he gets past Darin Young, up-and-coming compatriot Jeffrey De Zwaan is waiting in round two, where he crashed out last year, with Cross, Wright and Dave Chisnall also in his section.
Suzuki or Sherrock to spring a shock?
Who are the Ally Pally debutants??
Meet the 22 players who will be gracing the Alexandra Palace stage for the first time at the 2019/20 @WilliamHill World Championship…
▶️ https://t.co/6TO1ARDOEM pic.twitter.com/ZdLhkrShrt
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 10, 2019
With Lisa Ashton and Anastasia Dobromyslova failing to qualify for Ally Pally this time, Mikuru Suzuki and Fallon Sherrock will make their debuts at Alexandra Palace. Japan’s Suzuki showed she has the potential to upset James Richardson with her displays in the Grand Slam of Darts last month, but England’s Sherrock faces a tough test against the emerging Ted Evetts.
